After starting the year on the highest of notes with a solid victory over Chelsea during midweek’s Premier League clash, Tottenham’s manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked if his club would be doing any business in the January transfer window. The Argentine’s reply was apt,
“No, no, no – I don’t expect to do business because I’m happy with the squad and it’s not the right moment.”
But he had this exception to the rule to give,
“Only if a possibility appears that will benefit us. Otherwise, no.”
And it seems there is one in Galatasaray’s winger and Portugal youth international Bruma. The 22-year-old has often been linked with a switch to the White Hart Lane, and reports claim he has told the Turkish giants of his desire to make that switch.
If a January move will materialize can’t be ascertained yet, but who’s Bruma and what do Spurs stand to gain if a transfer works out?
Football Background/C.V
The Guinea-Bissau-born Portuguese started his career at Sporting Lisbon’s academy prior to his 13th birthday, and he racked up 80 goals as he progressed through the youth ranks, attracting suitors all across the continent for his talents.
By 17, Bruma was featuring regularly for Sporting’s reserve team and he made his senior team debut a few months later, playing the 2nd half of the 2012-13 season with them and making 13 Primeira Liga appearances. At the end of the season, he had made 38 league appearances for both the team B and senior team, scoring 7 goals.
By summer and after contract disputes with Sporting, Bruma moved on to Süper Lig giants Gala, where he has remained till now. He, however, had an unsuccessful loan stint at the La Liga with Real Sociedad last season – starting 14 games, appearing 18 times off the bench and scoring just twice.
Since returning to the Türk Telekom Arena last summer, the Portuguese speed merchant has been in fine form, scoring 5 and assist 5 in 16 Super Lig appearances.
His record with the Portuguese youth sides is impressive, having scored 27 goals in total for the age grades, and he is said to be nearing a national team call up. A move to the White Hart Lane could just help speed things up.
Style of Play / Strengths and Weaknesses
The 2012-13 Segunda Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year and FIFA 2013 U-20 World Cup Silver Shoe winner is known for his skills and speed that have seen him earn comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.
His weaknesses are his lack of defensive contributions, most especially in aerial duels. Bruma’s abilities to dribble with ease, play through balls and key passes also stand him out.
Where will he fit in?
Would he be a good buy for Tottenham?
Moussa Sissoko was acquired in the summer after Pochettino expressed his desire to add pace and penetration in the attacking third, but the Frenchman has been relatively underwhelming as yet, and Bruma could be the one to bring just that to the team.
He is able to play on both wings and would make a great addition off the bench as tired legs start to set in when the campaign nears it end.